The uniqueness of the Santo Stefano vineyard can only be explained as the sum of many elements coming together to produce the final result. The south to southwest exposure enables perfect technological and phenolic ripening, even in less favourable years. However, this exposure could indeed be the source of deficiencies in overly warm years.

​

In contrast, the proximity of the Tanaro river has a mitigating effect on the climate, cooling torrid summers and rendering winters less frigid.
Furthermore, the clay component of the soil retains excess water, thus offsetting prolonged dry spells with its sponge effect. This is extremely helpful to us. 

Most of the vines are more than 50 years old, with roots deep enough to resist the effects of either excessive or scarce rainfall. 
These same roots tap the water and nutrients found in the soil, which is rich in microelements of mineral origin. Despite the small quantities, these enrich the wine. Santo Stefano is especially famous for imparting sensations of balsam and crispness to the wine. This prompted Bruno Giacosa to exclaim: “I would recognise wine from the Santo Stefano vineyard in the midst of tens of other Barbaresco wines.”

​

In 2004, at the bottom of the Santo Stefano vineyard, we replaced four hectares of wheat and corn with beautiful Langhe Tonda Gentile hazelnut trees, so as to never be tempted to lower the standard of the vineyards.